Kilkenny's drive for five is still very much alive after their empathic victory over Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final last Sunday. The victory was great but the sight of Brian Hogan and Henry Shefflin leaving the action injured dampened the celebrations.
Hurling people of Kilkenny and beyond held their breaths on Tuesday afternoon. I'm sure people even had their fingers crossed that the scans would relieve limited damage for both players. Unfortunately the news was mixed, Brian Hogan who was playing a blinder at centreback before he departed with a shoulder injury got the all clear but King Henry, Kilkenny's leading talisman since 1999 and the leader of this incredible bunch of hurlers is out with a cruciate ligament injury to his left knee. This is a cruel blow to Henry, to the county and let’s not forget Ballyhale Shamrocks who are also in pursuit of five-in-a-row.
Everyone was aware that both players were whisked off to the Cryotherapy chambers in Whites Hotel, Wexford on Sunday evening and we all hoped it was only a precautionary measure. Sheff had played an instrumental role in destroying Cork during his twenty-five minutes of action — his leadership on the field was immense. During the opening twenty minutes Cork were giving as good as they got, then the nine-time All-star Shefflin decided it was time to go for the jugular. Michael Fennelly's industrious work saw the ball moved up the field. Cadogan and Richie Power contested the possession, the ball broke kindly for Henry (good players are always in the right place ) who took it in his stride. From the moment it hit his paw he had only one thing on his mind and that was the goal. Henry drew the cover before off-loading to ace goal getter Eddie Brennan and as they say the rest is history. The Kilkenny fans were at the top of their voice at the sight of controversial Cork custodian Donal Og Cusack retrieving the ball out of the net. ‘Now you have your Stepford Wives' was a common chant last Sunday. His comments in his recent book (Come What May ) certainly had Kilkenny players and fans vying for blood. I suppose the moral of that story is that anyone penning their memoirs should make sure they’re well finished first.
Kilkenny's display last Sunday was simply brilliant. They set out their stall early, the giant Aisake O'hAlpin harmlessly fell over after a slight but well timed push from the prince of fullbacks Noel Hickey. Most fans were anticipating a good duel between those two but the reality is once the big man hit the deck his game was over. They didn't play him much ball but I don't think he wanted it anyway. Cork's early game was honest, they battled well but one always got the sense that the flood gates could open at anytime. The intensity of the Kilkenny players was hugely evident for Kilkenny's second goal. TJ Reid, ‘Cha’ Fitz and Tommy Walsh hounded Niall McCarthy into submission under the Hogan Stand before James Ryall's long clearance was fumbled by Cusack. Once it hit the deck ‘Taggy’ Fogarty was first to react whipping it past the helpless keeper. There may only have been twenty minutes gone on the clock but the game was as good as over, Kilkenny had opened up a seven point lead. The Cats were unrelenting until half-time. Fogarty, Comerford, Fennelly, Larkin, Reid and Power all added to the Rebel’s woes with well taken points.
The second half was really a non-event. Kilkenny opened brightly with a succession of points from Power (2 ), Eddie and ‘Cha’ before taking their foot off the gas. In fairness to Cork they stayed battling away and even had the honour of outscoring the Cats during the second thirty-five minutes but it didn't matter the damage was done. While the game was a contest Kilkenny had been on top in every position. PJ Ryan was solid; the backs were so much on top that the Cork forwards didn't score from play until the fifth minute. It was great to see Noel Hickey back to his very best. James Ryall continued where Brian Hogan left off it was great to see the Graigue-Ballycallan man get some action, he has had to wait patiently for his opportunity. ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick was simply ‘Cha’ buzzing around mopping up loose possession and weighting in with his customary two points. Michael Fennelly, the most improved hurler in Kilkenny in the last twelve months was awesome. He gave one of the best midfield displays I've seen in Croke Park for many years. Richie Power deserved his 'man of the match' award but Fennelly must have ran him very close. Eoin Larkin might have only landed one point but he covered every blade of grass in Croke Park. Richie's display speaks for itself, he had Cadogan in serious trouble right from the off, probably should have gotten a few frees early on, but his goal was pure class it certainly put the icing on the cake. ‘Taggy’ had a serious first half, he seems to relish playing against the Rebels. Eddie worked hard and took his goal well, while TJ started well but faded a bit. All and all it would have been a perfect day only for the injuries. Henry will be gutted to miss the final but he is the ultimate pro and he will be the first at training next week to support and encourage his colleagues. It will be full steam ahead after this weekend’s club games, hopefully there will be no more injuries to report before the big day. Last Sunday's victory should silence Cork's animosity. Respect is the name of the game. Where this current bunch of Cork hurlers go from here is anybody’s guess probably a few retirements. Their lack of underage success in recent years has to be a major worry. Cork's tradition and pride will eventually see them get their act together, everyone has got to be singing from the one hymn sheet to achieve this.
Tipperary and Waterford battle it out this Sunday, it's a 50/50 ball game. I might have a slight fancy for the Premier men, they might be stronger in the scoring department.
The Kilkenny minors set the tone last Sunday, their performance was clinical. I may have been slightly critical of the forward sector in last week's column because they didn't seem to be gelling but what a transformation last Sunday. They were a carbon copy of the senior outfit and for this great credit must go to the management team. They must now keep their feet on the ground and finish off the job. There was some incredible performances on the day, too numerous to mention. It was a great collective effort that gives them a tilt at winning back the Irish Press Cup.
This weekend sees the Cats involved in two more semi-finals. The Intermediate hurlers take on Galway at Tullamore while the ladies battle it out with Wexford at Nowlan Park. Both teams will be hoping for a repeat of last weekend’s results because they will also want their day in the sun.
